When Does NFL Football Start in 2025? Full Season Schedule

By Sarah Miller · June 4, 2044

The 2025 NFL regular season will begin on Thursday, September 4, 2025, with the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens in a highly anticipated kickoff game. This marks the official start of the 18-week NFL schedule, followed by Week 1 games from Sunday, September 7 to Monday, September 8. The preseason starts earlier, with Hall of Fame Game on August 3, 2025.

When Does the 2025 NFL Season Start?

The NFL calendar is divided into key phases: preseason, regular season, and postseason. For fans eager to mark their calendars, here's a detailed breakdown of the upcoming season's timeline.

Key Dates for the 2025 NFL Season

Hall of Fame Game: August 3, 2025 – Officially kicks off the preseason
Preseason Games: August 3 – August 29, 2025
Regular Season Kickoff: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Week 1 Games: September 7–8, 2025
Super Bowl LIX: February 8, 2026, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans

NFL Preseason Schedule Overview

The NFL preseason consists of three weeks of exhibition games (reduced from four since 2021), allowing teams to evaluate rookies, backups, and new strategies before the regular season.

Preseason Game Weeks 2025

Week	Dates	Description
Hall of Fame Game	August 3, 2025	Between Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons
Preseason Week 1	August 7–11, 2025	Limited snaps for starters
Preseason Week 2	August 14–18, 2025	Main evaluation period for roster decisions
Preseason Week 3	August 21–29, 2025	Starters play briefly; final roster cuts due by August 30

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights the structured approach the NFL takes during the preseason. Teams use these games strategically to assess talent depth and reduce injury risk before the regular season. The third week is particularly critical as most starting players see limited action ahead of final roster cuts.

Regular Season Structure and Format

The NFL regular season features 18 weeks, with each team playing 17 games and having one bye week. Since the 2021 expansion, the league has adopted a 17-game schedule to increase competitive balance and viewership.

How the NFL Schedule Works

Each team plays 17 games: 11 intra-division/conference and 6 inter-conference matchups
Scheduling formula rotates annually based on previous season standings
Flexible scheduling allows NBC to adjust late-season Sunday night games for better matchups
International games are now part of the regular rotation, including matches in London, Munich, and Mexico City

Postseason and Super Bowl LIX

The NFL playoffs begin in January 2026 after the conclusion of the 18-week regular season. A total of 14 teams qualify—seven from each conference.

2026 NFL Playoffs Timeline

Wild Card Weekend: January 10–12, 2026
Divisional Round: January 17–19, 2026
Conference Championships: January 25–26, 2026
Super Bowl LIX: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Venue: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Frequently Asked Questions About When NFL Football Starts

When does the 2025 NFL regular season start?

The 2025 NFL regular season begins on Thursday, September 4, 2025, with the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens. Full Week 1 action runs from Sunday, September 7 through Monday, September 8.

What time does the NFL kickoff game start?

The NFL kickoff game typically starts at 8:20 PM Eastern Time (ET) and is broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock. In 2025, expect the same primetime slot for maximum viewership.

When does the NFL preseason start in 2025?

The 2025 NFL preseason starts with the Hall of Fame Game on August 3, 2025, featuring the Miami Dolphins vs. Atlanta Falcons in Canton, Ohio. Regular preseason games follow the week after.

How many games are in an NFL season?

Each NFL team plays 17 regular-season games over 18 weeks, plus up to four postseason games if they reach the Super Bowl. Including preseason, teams may participate in up to 21 total games.

When is Super Bowl LIX in 2026?

Super Bowl LIX is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game will be televised live on CBS and streamed via Paramount+.